Ford on Friday confirmed it can return to the Method 1 area in 2026, as a technical accomplice to present champion Crimson Bull Racing. The announcement was made in New York Metropolis the place Crimson Bull confirmed off its RB19 F1 automotive developed for the 2023 season.
The deal will see Ford work carefully with Crimson Bull’s energy unit division, Crimson Bull Powertrains, to develop an influence unit to fulfill the new rules F1 will introduce in 2026. The rules name for hybrid energy items much like right now’s design, however with 100% sustainable gasoline and an elevated reliance on electrical energy.
Its work on the brand new energy unit will begin this 12 months, Ford mentioned. The automaker additionally mentioned it is going to be in a position to present its experience within the areas of battery cell and electrical motor know-how, in addition to energy unit management software program and analytics, and internal-combustion engine improvement.
Crimson Bull is at the moment and not using a energy unit provider. The crew builds its personal energy items, utilizing the design of former provider Honda. Crimson Bull additionally provides energy items to AlphaTauri, and the feeder crew sooner or later may also use the brand new unit developed with Ford.
Ford mentioned F1’s concentrate on sustainability, coupled with the game’s elevated publicity within the U.S. in recent times, helped it in its resolution to pursue the return. Ford’s manufacturing fashions, together with electrical autos, are additionally anticipated to profit from the deal, significantly in relation to aerodynamics, materials know-how, and environment friendly power restoration.
Crimson Bull Racing on the 2022 Method One Miami Grand Prix
“Ford’s return to Method 1 with Crimson Bull Racing is all about the place we’re going as an organization—more and more electrical, software-defined, trendy autos and experiences,” Jim Farley, Ford’s CEO, mentioned in a press release. “F1 shall be an extremely cost-effective platform to innovate, share concepts and applied sciences, and have interaction with tens of tens of millions of recent prospects.”
Equally, Normal Motors via its Cadillac division is engaged on an F1 bid with Andretti International, the guardian firm of Andretti Autosport. Audi can also be dedicated to coming into F1 in 2026 with current crew Sauber, and just lately bought a minority stake in Sauber.
Porsche can also be eager to enter F1. It was in negotiations with Crimson Bull Racing, although the talks ended final September and not using a deal being brokered. Porsche has mentioned that it stays open to an F1 entry ought to the appropriate alternative come up.
The extra hands-off strategy Ford is taking is is rumored to have awarded it the partnership with Crimson Bull.
Ford has an intensive historical past in F1, although principally as an influence unit provider. The Blue Oval was a key backer of engine knowledgeable Cosworth, which equipped Ford-branded engines in a number of seasons. Nevertheless, Ford grew to become extra energetic within the sport beginning in 1999 when it bought the Stewart Grand Prix crew and later rebranded it as Jaguar in 2000. Ford, which owned Jaguar on the time, funded the crew from 2000 to 2004. Ford finally bought the crew to Crimson Bull on the finish of 2004.